Authorities in Florida have linked the individuals involved in a fatal carjacking to the murder of a tow truck driver, according to the Seminole County Sheriff's Office.
The Sheriff's Office revealed that the death of a tow truck driver in Orange County on April 10 and the killing of a woman in Seminole County on April 11 were linked through a 2002 green Acura. Sheriff Dennis Lemma stated during a press conference that this particular vehicle was one of only three of its kind in the state, with two being salvaged and only one remaining.
Further connecting the two incidents were the 10mm rounds used in both shootings, which are considered rare in the area.
The Seminole County sheriff emphasized the correlation between the two shootings and mentioned that his department is collaborating closely with Orange County to resolve the cases.
"Given the unusual nature of the weapon and ammunition, it is highly probable that the individuals responsible for these crimes are the same," Lemma stated.
A mysterious connection between a green Acura and a tragic sequence of events
Reports indicate that a green Acura was towed from an Orlando apartment complex due to illegal parking on March 19. However, the plot thickens as this same vehicle was later found at the scene of a tragic incident on April 10 in Orange County, where the tow truck driver involved in the initial towing was killed. This unfortunate event occurred just one day before the Seminole County kidnapping and murder case. The green vehicle spotted on April 10 matches the description of the one linked to the events of April 11.
Law enforcement officials shared that over 100 rounds were fired during the shooting that claimed the life of the tow truck driver, Juan Luis Cintron Garcia, aged 39. Sheriff Lemma mentioned that some of the rounds fired were of the rare 10mm caliber, making them highly unusual for the area. The Orange County Sheriff's Office has stated that the shooting was a targeted attack and not a random act of violence. At present, there is no known motive or suspect in the case.
Additionally, a carjacking incident involving a 31-year-old woman named Katherine Altagracia Guerrero De Aguasvivas from Homestead, Florida, took place in an area northeast of Orlando. Sheriff Lemma emphasized that this was also a targeted attack and not a random act of violence. The victim's husband advised her not to stop when she called him during the harrowing ordeal.
Sheriff Lemma expressed, "We believe that she was absolutely targeted and followed to a certain extent." He further revealed that the green Acura was observed repeatedly ramming the back of another vehicle, a Durango, just before the carjacking took place, adding a layer of mystery to the unfolding events.
Unspoken Truths
During the investigation, Miguel, the husband of the victim, revealed that his wife had traveled to the area to visit relatives. The distance between Homestead, where the couple resided, and the location of the crime scene was significant. Although the authorities have stated that Miguel is not a suspect and has been cooperative, there is a lingering suspicion that he may be withholding crucial information.
Lemma expressed his doubts, stating, "It is perplexing that a husband would not immediately seek help or notify anyone if his wife was involved in a car collision." This statement was made on Monday as the investigation unfolded.
Despite his initial cooperation, Miguel's actions raised suspicions when he handed over his cellphone to the Seminole investigators. This act ultimately led to the arrest of an Orange County deputy. Upon learning about his wife's tragic fate from the Seminole authorities, Miguel reached out to a childhood friend who happened to be married to Deputy Francisco Estrella of Orange County. Miguel's request for information about the ongoing investigation into Guerrero De Aguasvias's death further raised eyebrows, adding another layer of complexity to the case.
Allegations have surfaced against Estrella, who reportedly impersonated a detective from Orange County when contacting officers in Seminole to gather information for a friend. As a result, Estrella has been arrested and is facing five felony charges, according to Lemma. Orange County officials have confirmed that Estrella, who joined the force in September of 2022, has been suspended without pay.
Law enforcement is currently in pursuit of the suspects involved in the recent tow truck and carjacking incidents.
"There are still dangerous individuals at large in our community," Lemma emphasized. "We urge the public to exercise caution and avoid confronting these individuals, as they are considered armed and dangerous."
